Take The Lead Canine Training

Unfortunately I can’t be as positive as the other reviews. My puppy and I took Cathy’s six week basic obedience course. He already knew the basic commands, so I primarily wanted to work on walking my pup without having my arm dislocated and having a productive bonding experience we would both enjoy. Neither objective was met very well.
The facility is a doggy camp during the day. The faux turf was always wet and slightly smelly and on warm summer evenings the training area was humid and uncomfortable.
I might not have noticed the environment so much if we had been kept busier in class. Much of the time we were told to «ignore your dog» and stand on his leash, while lengthy lectures were presented on various topics. This part of class was about as fun as traffic school… particularly for my young dog who was super bored and restless.
Once we actually worked with our dogs, class was much better. But with so many dogs in the class (12+ on most nights) no one got much personal attention, even when the human or the dog was struggling with a task.
We didn’t work much on loose leash walking. Cathy’s «solution» was to fit my dog (and others) with a GentleLeader. He flat out hated it.
I’ve since taken my pup to another 6-​week course with another trainer and had a much happier and more productive experience. The classes were small (fewer than four dogs), less expensive, more «active» in that we worked with our dogs for most of the class and lectures were kept short and to the point, more comfortable (indoors, air conditioned, with benches to sit on), more effective, and much more fun. The trainer made time to get to know me and my dog, so he could give me more personalized advice and suggestions. As a result, my pup now walks nicely on a loose leash without the GentleLeader.
Bottom line: Cathy seems to be a nice person who genuinely cares about dogs, but I think there are better options than Take the Lead for training your dog.

Cathy has an awesome program for new puppies. She is very passionate about her job, her staff is great and our dog really enjoyed her experience, id highly recommend Cathy for all your dog training needs!

I met Cathy November 2011 while volunteering as a Canine Coach for adoptable dogs at the Rancho Coastal Humane Society down the street. Cathy sponsors an adoptable every class free of charge to improve their chances in finding a forever home and as a Canine Coach I would transport and train said animal. As if that weren’t enough to fall in love with Take the Lead.
I coached three dog through her 6 week course and she asked me to stay on as an intern trainer. I’ve been volunteering there ever since.
Her methods are painless and positive. She teaches people to read their dogs body language so that we don’t ask something of our dog that hurts, makes them uncomfortable or would create undue stress. Her motto is «It takes two to pull» so be prepared to be trained as well. Classes are an hour. They are fun and functional, you learn how to handle real-​life situations, how to train your pet to be a good patient at the Vet, the Groomer and Dog-​sitter. There are special guest speakers, games and play.
Your dog is begging for you to call Cathy at Take the Lead!

I was referred to Cathy by a friend. We had just lost our dog and were looking to rescue another one. She found us a wonderful little girl. I had Cathy come to the house a couple of times then decided to put Button into her obedience classes. We then went on to get Buttons CGC. Thanks to Cathy. We now go to brush up classes on Wed night and Button has learned to mix and mingle with the other dogs. I have boarded her with Cathy several times and wouldn’t dream of boarding her with anyone else. Cathy’s so passionate about her work and so amazing to see watch her work with the dogs. Cathy is the best.
Carol

I met Cathy at the Draker Center for Veterinary Care. I took my daughter there for Kid’s Day and Cathy was there with one of her dogs who was the volunteer for hands-​on training for the kids. When I saw how remarkably trained her dog was, I had to comment that I wish my dogs were that well trained. That’s when I learned that she was a dog trainer. I hired her immediately, and the time was spent was invaluable! I have MS which affects my walking strength, and I have a very strong, athletic 2 year old Ridgeback mix that I’ve been unable to walk without the help of someone else. Cathy’s training has enabled me to walk him, by myself! With her tips, he’s learned so much and is such an incredible joy in our family! She’s an amazing person with animals and people! If anyone is in need of dog training, Cathy Mayer is the ONLY one to take their dogs to!

I took my «high-​spirited» golden retriever puppy to Cathy’s puppy kindergarten as soon as she was old enough, and we continued with Basic Obedience and refresher classes. She was a challenging child from day 1 and I wasn’t sure she had any «good girl» in her, but Cathy worked wonders with my girl! Both my dog and I learned SO much from Cathy! Today, my girl is a pleasure to be around and she’s a really well-​behaved girl when we go out in public (I always get compliments about how well-​behaved my dog is). And she absolutely LOVES Cathy! I can’t say enough about Cathy’s positive approach to training! Not only did Cathy have the patience to help my dog, but she had the patience to help train me too! Highly recommend Take the Lead … my dog and I have many happy years ahead of us thanks to Cathy!

Cathy was referred to me by my vetenarian. My 2 pomeranians went to her «Puppy Kindergarden» and «Basic Obedience» classes. The classes are about getting the puppies in a safe social environment and getting good behavior tips. We are planning on going to her «Refresher class» Wednesday night. Cathy have passion about dogs and she really enjoy sharing her knowledge.